STARS of an ITV farming programme are helping to spot young talent at the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) YFC Achiever Awards this year.  

In their fifth year, the awards are aimed at rewarding members of YFC clubs for the work they do in the community, for their enterprising initiatives and for helping others. 

Kelvin and Liz Fletcher, from Fletchers on the Farm, will help to decide who is crowned Young Farmer of the Year, an award supported by The Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies). The category aims to highlight best practice in the sector, and celebrate members who are actively promoting and farming safely.

Kelvin said: “We're honoured to be part of such an inspiring celebration of young talent in agriculture. Liz and I are thrilled to join the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs awards as judges, and we look forward to witnessing the dedication and innovation of the next generation of farmers.”

The NFYFC Achiever Awards will take place at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham on November 2 2024. 

As wel as Kelvin and Liz, other top names from the farming industry will help to choose the winners. 

These include: 

  • Author and award-winning entrepreneur Hannah Russell
  • Farmer and agricultural influencer Ioan Humphreys (@that_welsh_farmer) 
  • Farmer, YouTuber and TikToker Joe Seels (@joeseels) 
  • Farmer and founder of Agrespect Ben Andrews (Farmer Ben @bentheoandrews)
  • Vet turned farmer Holly Atkinson (@cups.on.cows)

Ben will help to judge Club of the Year, which is supported by CFMOTO. 

He said: “I’m looking forward to seeing nominations from clubs who are championing the ‘YFC is for Everyone’ message and offering a wide range of activities that are accessible to all. It’s impressive how much work YFC members do to run their own small charities and these awards are a great way to recognise those achievements.”

Hannah will be reviewing nominatons for the New Member of the Year category. 

She added: “I'm delighted to be supporting the New Member of the Year category. It's great to see so many young people in agriculture making an impact and setting foundations for the future generation.” 

Award categories include: 

  • Entrepreneur of the Year, supported by KUHN
  • Farm Safety Award, sponsored by The Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) 
  • Aspiring Rural Leader of the year, sponsored by Savills
  • Club of the Year, sponsored by CFMOTO
  • YFC Supporter of the Year, sponsored by Isuzu 
  • New Member of the Year 
  • Community Spirit award 
  • The Heart of YFC Award

To nominate, click here. Entries must be submitted before June 9 2024. 

The Heart of YFC award is determined by the YFC membership in an online vote. 

NFYFC’s new President John Lee OBE DL is among the judging panel who will shortlist five of the nominees for the Heart of YFC Award for the wider membership to vote on. 

John  said: “The YFC Achiever Awards had a record number of entries last year and we’re excited to see the nominations for this year.

“These awards celebrate the very best in our organisation and champion what can be achieved by being part of YFC. You learn skills for life in YFC and it’s only right that we recognise our members and the outstanding contribution they make to supporting their communities, their clubs and the industry.

“If you know someone who deserves to be rewarded, please nominate them before the deadline.”